Born in Wimbledon, London, Vanessa Kirby has an impressive catalog of acting credits under her belt. After starring in several theatrical productions, the actress made her debut in mainstream television with BBC's The Hour. Following this, gaining more credibility as an actress, she started appearing in several star-studded Hollywood films such as Everest, About Time, and Mission Impossible: Fallout.
What further cemented her place as a rising star is her impressive performance as Princess Margaret in The Crown and as the leading lady in Netflix drama Pieces of a Woman. Considering her linear growth and talent, fans can expect to see a lot more of her in the near future. Till then, they can enjoy some of her underappreciated performances in the movies mentioned below.
Everest (7.1)
Inspired by real events, Everest presents an intense tale of man vs. nature wherein two groups of adventurers attempt to scale Mount Everest. Unfortunately, many of them succumb to the unforeseeable challenges and weather conditions that they face along the way.
Vanessa Kirby takes on the role of Sandy Hill Pittman, a socialite climber whose characterization was inspired by a mountaineering enthusiast of the same name.
Pieces Of A Woman (7.1)
In Pieces of a Woman, Vanessa Kirby plays the leading role of Martha Weiss, a woman whose home birth has a tragic outcome. Due to this, she finds herself in a downward spiral of grief that not only affects her mental health but also deteriorates her relationship with her husband.
By both viewers and critics alike, the film is being lauded for its visceral depiction of a mother's grief and Vanessa Kirby's brilliant performance.
The Frankenstein Chronicles (7.3)
As the name suggests, The Frankenstein Chronicles is a unique—and far darker—interpretation of the classic tale of Frankenstein. At its fore is Inspector John Marlott, who investigates a series of grotesque crimes in 19th Century London, all of which connect to a scientist who seems to have a fascination with re-animating the parts of the dead.
Starring in seven episodes of the series, Vanessa Kirby plays Lady Jemima Hervey, who is an impoverished noblewoman.
Me Before You (7.4)
Starring Emilia Clarke, Me Before You focuses on Louisa Clark, who, after a bout of unemployment, agrees to look after a paralyzed man, Will Traynor. With what follows, sparks fly between the two and they form an unlikely bond that takes their relationship to places they had never anticipated.
The Pieces of a Woman star plays Alicia Dewar in the film who happens to be Will's ex-girlfriend. After his post-paralysis depression, she is unable to connect with him and so, she leaves him to eventually marry his best friend Rupert.
Great Expectations (7.5)
Adapted from Charles Dicken's classic novel, Great Expectations is a three-episode mini-series that follows the life of orphan Pip. With the help of a mysterious benefactor, Pip turns his life around, becomes a complete gentleman, and sets out to pursue his childhood love.
The love of his life is no one but the cruel Estella who, like him, is introduced as an orphan. Played by Vanessa Kirby, Estella is unlike any other typical romance story protagonist—she's wicked, cynical, and manipulative.
Mission Impossible-Fallout (7.7)
Mission: Impossible - Fallout is the sixth film in the Tom Cruise-starrer franchise. Yet again, it focuses on elite spy Ethan Hunt hunt, who sets out on a mission to stop terrorists planning a major nuclear attack on three different cities.
In the movie, Kirby is the underground con-artist "The White Widow," who Ethan Hunt and August Walker (Henry Cavill) have to find in order to successfully wind up their mission. According to several sources, the actress will be reprising her role in the upcoming sequels of the franchise as well.
About Time (7.8)
About Time is a rom-com with a fantastical time travel twist. Domhnall Gleeson plays Tim Lake, a seemingly ordinary guy who later discovers that he has inherited the ability to travel through time. Using this to his advantage, he goes back and forth in time to wrong all rights. But in due time he learns that not everything in life can be fixed and he must learn to embrace things as they truly are.
Many viewers may not have noticed Vanessa Kirby in the film as she plays the relatively smaller role of Joanna.
The Hour (8.0)
BBC's British TV drama The Hour is a behind-the-scenes series that is set in a '50s BBC newsroom. It revolves around producer Bel, anchor Hector, and journalist Freddie, all of whom investigative newsmagazine program called `The Hour'. However, with what follows, a complex love triangle brews between the three, while the tapestry around a mysterious murder unfolds in the backdrop.
Out of the 12 episodes of the series, Vanessa Kirby appears as a beautiful and brilliant academic named Ruth Elms in three episodes.
Poirot (8.6)
Named after Hercule Poirot, the star sleuth in many of Agatha Christie's crime novels and short stories, Poirot is set in postwar London. The former Belgian Policeman becomes a private detective and in each episode, he takes on a new case along with his English sidekick Captain Hastings (Hugh Fraser) and amiable Scottish Chief Inspector Japp (Philip Jackson).
In its hefty runtime of 13 seasons, the series featured a total of 70 episodes in which Vanessa Kirby stars as Celia Ravenscroft in one episode.
The Crown (8.7)
The Crown is among Vanessa Kirby's most pivotal roles and it played a key role in further stemming her place as an actress. For playing Princess Margaret in the Netflix period drama, not only did she earn a Primetime Emmy nomination but also won the British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Her character Princess Margaret is based on the real Countess of Snowdon, who was the younger daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.